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Goodbye zero-pods: Mercedes reveals W14's sidepod redesign

Mercedes ditches the notorious zero-pods in its W14, revealed at the Monaco GP. Team Principal Toto Wolff downplays the revamp as a 'silver bullet', instead hoping for a stable platform for future progress."

Goodbye zero-pods: Mercedes reveals W14's sidepod redesign
Mercedes W14 new sidepods during the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix- Credit: Giorgio Piola

As Formula 1 goes on the glamourous streets of Monaco for the upcoming Grand Prix, all gazes are firmly fixed on the Mercedes garage.

This anticipation comes with the impending debut of the German manufacturer's much-hyped W14, described by some as a B-spec car, undergoing significant upgrades that signal a critical transition for the reigning eight-time Constructors' Champions.

Amid swirling rumours, the speculation was finally put to rest as the first image of the revamped sidepod design surfaced, confirming the elimination of the notorious zero-pods, a feature that had become a thorn in Mercedes' side.

Mercedes W14 new sidepods during the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix- Credit: Giorgio Piola
Mercedes W14 new sidepods during the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix- Credit: Giorgio Piola

This departure from their previous design ethos is an audacious move by Mercedes, who are hoping to steer their 2023 campaign in a new direction.

After riding the momentum of a victory in Sao Paulo, the team persevered with the contentious zero-pods concept into this year, only to discover its shortcomings and shift gears towards an alternative approach.

Originally slated to pull the wraps off their overhauled W14 at Imola, the unforeseen cancellation of the Italian race rerouted the grand unveiling to this weekend's iconic Monaco Grand Prix.

An event renowned for its prestige and allure, Monaco is now set to be the stage for Mercedes' bold new era.

However, Team Principal Toto Wolff has urged caution, downplaying expectations that the upgrade will serve as an instant remedy to their recent struggles.

Instead, he voiced optimism that it would serve as a stable foundation for future developments.

"It won't be a silver bullet; from my experience, they do not exist in our sport," the Austrian remarked, injecting a dose of realism into the hype surrounding the revamped W14.
He continued, "We hope that it gives the drivers a more stable and predictable platform. Then we can build on that in the weeks and months ahead."

Wolff was quick to underscore the cutthroat nature of Formula 1, acknowledging that the team's current standing doesn't match their high aspirations.

However, rather than succumbing to frustration, Wolff asserted the team's dedication to regaining their competitive edge.

"F1 is tough competition and a meritocracy. We are not where we want to be but there's no sense of entitlement. It's just about hard work to get us to the front."

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